标签： Asia

Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to engage in a second round of crisis talks in Turkey, officials confirmed on Friday. This development follows a recent surge in violent clashes along their shared border, which resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. The two neighboring nations have been locked in a deepening security dispute, with each accusing the other of instigating aggression. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan has failed to curb armed groups crossing the border to launch attacks, a claim vehemently denied by the Taliban-led Afghan government. Last weekend, Qatar and Turkey brokered a ceasefire, which has largely held despite the ongoing closure of the border, except for Afghan refugees exiting Pakistan. The halt in border transit and trade has inflicted significant economic losses, with Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimating daily losses in the millions of dollars. Southern Kandahar Province, particularly the border town of Spin Boldak, bore the brunt of the recent violence, with Pakistani airstrikes causing fatalities and property damage. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, announced that Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib would lead the Afghan delegation to Istanbul. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, expressed cautious optimism about the talks, noting a recent decline in cross-border attacks and emphasizing the need for Kabul to take decisive action against armed groups. Andrabi stressed that Pakistan’s demands were reasonable and aimed at restoring bilateral relations. The outcome of the Istanbul talks could play a pivotal role in determining the future of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.

In a significant legislative move, China has introduced a draft law focused on farmland protection and quality improvement. The proposal was presented for its first reading during the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislative body, on October 24, 2025. The draft law, structured into eight chapters and 65 articles, outlines comprehensive measures to safeguard farmland, enforce stricter management on land repurposed for non-agricultural uses, and prioritize initiatives to enhance the quality of cultivated land. This legislative effort underscores China’s commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable land use practices. The draft law is expected to undergo further deliberations and revisions before its final adoption, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to balancing economic development with environmental and agricultural sustainability.

This year commemorates the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration, a pivotal event in Chinese history that resonates deeply with the nation’s identity and the post-World War II global order. Across China, various activities have been organized to honor this significant milestone. Wu Yongping, director of the Taiwan Institute at Tsinghua University, sheds light on the profound implications of Taiwan’s restoration in the documentary *Stories across the Strait*. He emphasizes that the event is not only a cornerstone of the Chinese nation’s unity but also a critical moment for the people of Taiwan and the international community. The restoration of Taiwan symbolizes the end of colonial rule and the reaffirmation of China’s sovereignty, marking a turning point in the region’s history. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between Taiwan and the mainland, as well as the shared heritage that continues to shape the future of the Chinese people.

A court in Ankara has dismissed a corruption case targeting Ozgur Ozel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), ruling that the allegations lacked substance. The case, which accused Ozel of vote-buying during the CHP’s November 2023 primary elections, was rejected by the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance as “moot.” The decision was welcomed by CHP lawyers, with Caglar Caglayan stating, “This decision was in accordance with the law. We’ve been saying these cases need to be removed from our country’s agenda.” The case was widely perceived as part of a broader government crackdown on opposition figures, particularly following the arrest of CHP Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March. The court’s dismissal cited Ozel’s re-election at an extraordinary CHP congress in September as evidence of his legitimacy. However, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Onur Yusuf Uregen, announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling the dismissal unexpected. The case’s outcome has significant implications for Turkey’s political landscape, as Ozel’s removal could have led to the appointment of a court-appointed trustee, a tactic previously used against opposition figures, especially those linked to pro-Kurdish parties. The news also positively impacted financial markets, with stocks rallying and the Turkish lira recovering from a record low. The CHP has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of targeting the opposition following their success in the 2024 local elections. Imamoglu’s arrest and subsequent protests have further intensified political tensions, with many viewing the crackdown as a threat to Turkey’s already fragile democracy.